India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a highly anticipated visit to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district. His trip marks the culmination of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival and commemorates the 1,000th birth anniversary of Chola ruler Rajendra Chola I. The occasion blended grand cultural reflection with celebratory energy across the once‑imperial Chola capital. On his arrival, locals greeted him with enthusiasm. Many came out to the streets chanting “Modi, Modi” and waved flags in appreciation. During his visit, Modi was dressed in traditional Tamil attire: a white veshti (dhoti), a simple shirt, and an angavasthram draped over his shoulders. He was welcomed by temple priests and cultural enthusiasts and offered prayers alongside them in the inner sanctum.
Ceremonial highlights and offerings
Modi took part in a series of significant events at the ancient Brihadisvara Temple. He released a commemorative coin honoring Rajendra Chola I and ceremonially offered water from the Ganga to the deities inside the 11th‑century temple. The temple premises were luxuriously decorated with garlands and flags, and local roads reverberated with festive chants and applause. Security was tightened throughout town, with more than 2,000 police officers assigned to manage the crowds and maintain order. The prime minister’s schedule included prayers accompanied by Vedic recitations and Thirumurai hymns. He visited the temple complex’s UNESCO‑listed sections, part of the “Great Living Chola Temples,” and walked the stone corridors built by Rajendra Chola I around 1035 CE.
Cultural engagement and exhibits
Moving beyond rituals, Modi encouraged people to visit an exhibition organized by the Ministry of Culture that showcased a millennium of Chola history. He also attended the launch of a Tamil Gita album presented by the Chinmaya Mission, noting that creative projects like this help keep India’s cultural roots alive. Drawing attention to early democratic traditions, Modi highlighted the Chola-era “Kudavolai” system of elections. He pointed out that it predated the famed Magna Carta by centuries, underscoring how ancient South India had established structured, participative governance long ago.
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Honoring Rajendra Chola I
In a dedicated ceremonial address, Modi revealed plans to erect statues in honor of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola I. These grand statues will be placed at key locations in Gangaikonda Cholapuram and nearby historic towns as a symbol of the revival of pride in this regional heritage. Modi’s tribute highlighted Rajendra Chola’s maritime expeditions to Southeast Asia. He said the king’s naval power projected Chola prestige far beyond southern India, and these deeds are still remembered as milestones in medieval Indian history.
Memorable speech
Addressing event attendees, Modi spoke from the heart. He stated, “This is the land of devotion of Rajaraja Chola, and on this sacred soil, the music of Ilaiyaraaja has immersed us all in Shiva devotion. I am an MP from Kashi, and whenever I hear ‘Om Namah Shivaya,’ I get goosebumps.” He reflected on the Chola era as “one of India’s golden ages,” praising its achievements in governance, architecture, culture, art, and trade. He also paid respects at the shrine of Lord Brihadeeswarar and referred to the enduring value of India’s cultural landscape.
Further lauding the achievements of ancient Tamilians, Modi recalled Babu Chidambaram’s pioneering creation of indigenous watercraft during colonial rule. He also praised poet Subramania Bharati, whose work bridged Tamil Nadu and the broader Indian consciousness, even resonating in Modi’s parliamentary constituency of Kashi. He noted the government’s efforts to build stronger national ties, mentioning the launch of a Kashi‑Tamil Sangam initiative aimed at promoting cultural exchange between regions. On economic cooperation, Modi highlighted the newly negotiated free‑trade pact with the UK. He said it would exempt 99 percent of Indian goods from tariffs, boosting demand for products made in Tamil Nadu and especially benefitting youth‑led businesses, startups, and MSMEs in the state.
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Regional development projects
Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple development projects worth more than ₹4,900 crore in Tuticorin, spanning aviation, transportation, port infrastructure, railways, and power. He flagged off a new terminal at Tuticorin Airport and announced road and highway upgrades, major port expansion, rail enhancements, and power‑transmission upgrades intended to strengthen connectivity and economic growth across southern Tamil Nadu. Recalling the government’s 2024 push to accelerate regional infrastructure, Modi said that last year he had laid the groundwork for a large port project, and now nearly ₹4,800 crore of projects covering airports, highways, railways, and power are underway, pointing to a sustained focus on Tamil Nadu’s development.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and history
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is located in Ariyalur district and was built by Emperor Rajendra Chola I and consecrated in 1035 CE. Based on Dravidian architecture, its detailed sculptures and towering vimana (temple tower) of approximately 55 meters display the remarkable architecture and grandeur of the Chola period. The temple honors Lord Shiva in the form of a thirteen‑foot lingam. The name “Gangaikonda Cholapuram” literally means “the place of the Chola who conquered the Ganges,” commemorating Rajendra’s northern military campaign, after which he brought back sacred Ganga water to enshrine in the south.
In doing so, he moved the Chola capital from Thanjavur to this new city, which remained the imperial nerve center for over 250 years. Excavations show the old city was fortified by concentric walls and once held many temples, most of which are lost, leaving the central Shiva temple as the main survivor. In 2017, the temple was reconsecrated with new installations, including a flagstaff (dwajasthambam) and maha kumbhabhishekam rituals, restoring its spiritual presence. The current festival aligns with the birth star of Rajendra Chola, Thiruvathirai or Ardra, which began on July 23. Thus the timing holds deep symbolism, connecting ancient astronomical calendars and religious life.
Legacy of Rajendra Chola I
Rajendra Chola I, who reigned from 1014 to 1044 CE, is one of India’s bravest and most popular kings. Under his rule, the Chola Empire spread across South and Southeast Asia, proudly naming Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the royal capital and the historic temple a cultural landmark. The site remains a testament to high artistry, architectural mastery, and India’s medieval naval power. Additionally, the prime minister’s visit and speeches emphasized this heritage: honoring religious devotion, regional pride, and a centuries‑old symbol of political advancement. He cast the Chola period as both a celebration of Hindu traditions and a broader narrative of Dravidian leadership at a time when northern India was fragmented under external invasions.
